FOPPI Blog

Volunteers replacing old decking on Plum Island's timber frame rock crib pier Seven volunteers with the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) departed from Gills Rock aboard The Shoreline on September 18, 2026, to work on the Plum Island pier. The boat was piloted by Captain Scott Nelson with assistance from his crew member, Doug Smith. Both Nelson and Smith were stationed on Plum Island while serving in the Coast Guard. The Plum Island station was manned until 1990, a

We've recently learned that our claim to fame, 'The last remaining Roosevelt-style boathouse on the Great Lakes' isn't exactly true . . . there is another one! It is located at Eagle Harbor, MI on Lake Superior. However, we still do hold bragging rights to having the last remaining Roosevelt-style boathouse on WESTERN LAKE MICHIGAN! Thanks to my friend, Jeff Shook I am humbled once again!! The Eagle Harbor boathouse is quite similar to ours, was built in 1939, and is curre

PLUM ISLAND BOATHOUSE NEEDS REPAIRS -- The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) are working on a capital campaign to preserve and restore the historic Plum Island Boathouse. Plum Island Boathouse and Crews Quarters Necessary repairs include a roof replacement, interior and exterior painting, restoration or replacement of windows and doors, and electrical inspections and upgrades. The total estimated cost is $750,000. The roof replacement is an urgent priority estimated

Your help is needed NOW to speak up for the over 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 38 wetland management districts, and five marine...

1-30-2025 article from MonarchJointVenture.org (Link to original story) Monarchs rest in front of the Plum Island Rear Range Light...

Story & Photos By: Tim Sweet Members of the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) met with Billy Winkleblack of Mihm Enterprises on August 21, 2024, to inspect and discuss progress on the rear range light painting project. A three-man crew has been working on the lighthouse for nearly two months. Scaffolding was erected in late June. Then the structure was shrouded to contain lead paint that was sandblasted and collected from all of the metal surfaces. “We used a produ